Time delay reclosing fuse mechanism



Jan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY 2,258,899

TIME DELAY REGLOSING FUSE KBGHNISM Filed 001?. 8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet lJan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY '2,258,899

TIME DELAY RECLOSING FUSE MECHANISM Filed Oct. 8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 2ma M Jan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY TIME DELAY RECLOSING FUSE MECHANISM FiledOct. 8, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY 2,258,399

TIME DELAY RECLOSING FUSE MECHANISM Filed Oct. 8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 4Jan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY TIME DELAY RECLOSING FUSE MECHANISM Filed 001'..8, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 6, 1942. A. RAMsEY TIME DELAY RECLOSINGFUSE MECHANISM 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 .7. ,5, n 6 am E M n m J f, am @Q Jan.6, 1942. ARAMSEY 2,268,899

TIME DELAY RECLOSING FUSE MECHANISM Filed Oct. 8, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 8Patented Jan. 6, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TIME DELAY REcLosINGFUSE MEcHANrsM Y Allan Ramsey, Evanston, Ill., assignor to Schweitzer &Conrad, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware My inventionrelates generally to electric fuses,

cutouts of the repeating type.

In my copending application, Serial No. 740,057, filed August 16, 1934,I have disclosed a repeating fuse cutout comprising three fuse devices,each of which is rotatably mounted at its base for movement from itsnormal operating position at a slight inclination from the vertical.Under ordinary operating conditions the three fuse devices are in thisposition and an electric circuit is established through one of them, theother two fuse devices being disconnected at their lower ends from thecircuit. A transfer switch is 'provided at the base of each of the firsttwo fuse devices for establishing the circuit through the next fusedevice when the preceding fuse device blows. The blown fuse device isreleased at the top and, while rotating downwardly, it engages theoperating arm of its transfer switch, thereby closing the switch andreestablishing-the circuit, this time through the next fuse device. Sucha construction affords two reclosures for the circuit, after which thecircuit remains inthe open condition until the fuse devices are re-fusedand restored to the normal operating condition.

There are some operating conditions under which it is not desirable toreestablish the circuit through the next fuse device as quickly as willbe accomplished by a repeating fuse cutout of this construction. Whilethere is a slight time delay involved in effecting the circuit transfer,which is caused by the time required for the fusel device to fall and toclose the transfer switch, this inherent time delay may be insufficientto permit the circuit fault to clear itself before the circuit isrestored, with the resultthat the next fuse device immediately blows. Ifa slightly' longer time were permitted to elapse before the circuit iscompleted through the next fuse device, it is entirely possible that thetroutain the services of one for restoring one or more blown fusedevices. Since continuity of service is of paramount importance, fusecutouts of the reclosing type are often installed. However, on theoccurrence of a temporary fault, the time interval between the blowingof the circuit fuse device and the connection of the next fuse devicemay be too short to permit the fault to disap-l pear and, consequently,the nexty fuse device blows as soon as it is connected into the circuit.The purpose of the repeating fuse cutout is then defeated, to a certainextent.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of my invention, as hereindisclosed, to provide for increasing the time that must elapse after onefuse device of a repeating fuse cutout blows, before the next fusedevice is connected in the circuit.

An important object of my invention is to provide for delaying thefalling of a blown fuse device for a predetermined interval to delay thef operation of a transfer switch operated thereby ble on the circuitwill have cleared, with the u result that the next fuse devicewill notbe blown as soon as the transfer switch connects it into the circuit.

Fuse cutouts of the repeating-type are ordinarily installed at isolatedlocations on power- Vpairmen will be stationed in the immediate vicinityand a considerable time is required to obfor connecting the next fusedevice in the circuit.

Another object of my invention is to provide for storing energy in amechanical time delay device, when a fuse device rotatable about itsbase is placed in its operative position, and for employing themechanical time delay device in retarding the falling of the fuse deviceafter it has blown until the expiration of a predetermined interval.

Another object of my invention is to increase the range of operation ofa mechanical escapement device without altering the adjustment of thedevice itself by providing an externally adjustable control of thelinkage attached thereto.

A further object of my invention is to provide a calibrated externallyadjustable control of the linkage of an escapement device therebyrequiring no alteration in the functioning of the device itselfto obtaina wide range of timing control.

Still another object'of my invention is to provide tor employing theresistance to movement olered by an escapement mechanism in delaying thefalling of a dropout fuse device after it has blown.

A further 'object of my invention is to provide a lost motion connectionbetween' an escapement time delay mechanism and the fuse device which isdelayed in falling, thereby to prevent the escapement mechanism fromoiiering resistance tothe movement of the fuse device while it is beingplaced in its operative position.

Other objects of my invention will, in part, be obvious and in partappear hereinafter.

My invention, accordingly, is disclosed in the embodiments hereof shownin the accompanying drawings, and it comprises the features ofconstruction, combination of elements and arrangetaken .in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation, of a repeating fuse cutoutconstructed in accordance with my invention, one of the fuse devicesbeing illustrated in the position to which it rotates after it has,blown and operated its transfer switch to connect the next fuse devicein the circuit.

Figure 2 is a view, in side elevation, of the repeating fuse cutoutshown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view, at an enlarged scale, in side elevation,illustrating the construction of the upper end of one of the fusedevices to which .the mechanical escapement time delay mechanism isapplied, the sleethood being shown in sectionf Figure 4 is a view, inend elevation, of the construction illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view, in top plan, of the mechanical escapement time'delay mechanism, the cover being removed in order to more clearlyillustrate the various elements;-

Figure 5-A is a view of the anchor and shaft therefor that are employedin the time delay mechanism shown in Figure 5;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

device -is permitted tofall freely to its lowermost position.

A transfer switch is provided at the base ofv each ofthe first two fusedevices and is arranged to be operated by the movement of its individualfuse device after it has blown for transferring the circuit to the nextfuse device. It will be apparent that the energy which is stored in eachof the first two fuse devices when they are placed in position isreleased by theirtime delay mechanisms to effect the operation of thetransfer switches and the consequent reestablishment of the circuit.

According to one embodiment of my invention a mechanical vescapementtime delay mechanism is provided. This mechanism comprises a clockmovement having a spring which is energized by the placing of the fusedevice associated therewith in operativ'eposition. As soon as the fusedevice is blown, the spring is released to drive an escapement mechanismwhich controls the movement of alatching lever. rIhe latching leverFigure 7is a view, in side elevation, of a hy- A draulic escapementmechanism which may be partly in section, ofanother embodiment of thehydraulic escapement mechanism which may be employed in Vpracticing myinvention; and

Figure 12 is a detail view, in side elevation, of .a modified form oflinkage which may be employed in connection with the mechanicalescapement device to permit calibrated external adjustment for a widerange of operation.

According to my present invention. as herein disclosed, I have provideda time delay mechanism at 'the upper end of each of the first two fusedevices, each of which is arranged to delay the falling of its fusedevice until the expiration of a predetermined interval. mechanism isarranged topermit a slight rotation of its fuse device after it hasblown in order to make certain that it is free of its latching mechvFigure 9 is a sectional view taken along'thev viding wall which requiresan appreciable time is positioned in the path of the fuse device andprevents its movement during the delay interval. When the interval haselapsed, the latching lever is moved out of the path of the fuse deviceand it is permitted to freely rotate.

According to another embodiment of my invention a movable wall ispositioned between two fixed walls and is hermetically sealed thereto bymeans of two flexible bellows. Passageways are provided in the dividingwall through which a liquid, such as alcohol and glycerine may flow at aspeed depending upon the adjustment of a needle valve. The dividing wallis connected by a lost motion link to a bail which is disposed in thepath of the upper end of the falling fuse devi'ce. When the fuse deviceis blown, it is unlatched and starts to fall but encounters the bail.Springs are provided for biasing the bailout oi the path of the fallingfuse device, but its movement under their influence is retarded by thedifor movement because of the restricted owof liquid therethrough. Whenthe dividing wall has moved to a predetermined position, the bail ismoved out of the path of the fuse device and it is permitted to fallfreely. In another embodiment of my. invention a hydraulic escapementdevice comprising a single bellows filled with a suitable liquid isarranged to delay the movement of a bail for a time depending upon theflow of the liquid from the bellows into an evacuated chamber. The sneedwith which the liquid ilows is controlled by a needle valve. When apredetermined amount of the liquid has iiowed into the evacuatedchamber, the bail will have moved out of the path of the fuse device andit is permitted to fall freely. Referring now particularly to Figures 1and 2 of the drawings, it will be observed that the reference character20 designates, generally, a repeating fuse cutout comprising fusedevices 2|, 22 and 23, winch are arranged to engage at their upper endswith contact assemblies 24. The contact assemblies 24 are commonlymounted on a suitable bus connector 25 which has connected thereto aterminal 26 for connection with a circuit. The bus connector 25 ismounted on an insulator 21 which, in turn, is mounted on a supportchannel 2B that may be mounted on a cross arm or the like forinstallation purposes. The fuse devices 2|, 22 and 23 are individuallyrotatably mounted on insulators 29 at the lower ends anism. After apredetermined interval lthe fuse thereof, which are carried byna crossstrap 3 0 mounted at the lower end of the channel 28. A suitablelatching mechanism, illustrated generally at 3|, is provided forlatching the fuse devices in position and for manually removing themtherefrom, if desired. Resilient bumpers 33, preferably formed ofrubber, are provided for absorbing the impact of the fuse devices onfalling thereof after they have been blown.

The fuse devices 2| and 22 are provided with transfer switches, showngenerally at 34, for successively shifting the circuit from one fusedevice to the next one in order to restablish the circuit to providecontinuity of service. Each of the transfer switches 34 comprises astationary enclosed Contact member 35 depending from a suitable arm 36which is carried by the next fuse device, as illustrated. A switch arm31, carried by a switch operating lever 38, is provided for engaging thestationary contact member 35. A transverse pin 39, carried by theswitchoperating arm 38, is provided in the path of each of the fusedevices 2| and 22 for operating the transfer switch 34 individualthereto on movement thereof from the normal circuit closing position. Aconnector 40 is provided for establishing the necessary connection tothe electric circuit. A contact finger 4| is provided near the lower endof each of the fuse devices for engagement with spring ngers 42 carriedby the insulators 29 for connection therewith. The spring ngers 42 mayserve also to bias the fuse devices to the open position, in addition tothe force of gravity, when they are released after having been blown. Itwill be understood that the circuit extends from the connector 26 to thecontact assemblies 24 and that normally it extends through the fusedevice 2| to the connector 40. On blowing of the fuse device 2| inresponse to a fault, the circuit is reestablished through the fusedevice 22 on operation of the first transfer switch 34 by the fusedevice2|. In like manner, on operation of the fuse device 22, the circuit isextended to include the fuse device 23, on operation of the secondtransfer switch 34. The foregoing repeating fuse apparatus isessentially that disclosed in my copending application hereinbeforereferred to. Since a detailed description of the various parts of theapparatus is fully set forth in this copending application, and further,since it forms no part of the present invention, a further descriptionthereof will not be set forth herein except as is necessary to describethe present invention.

With a View to providing for delaying the falling of the fuse devices 2|and 22 for a predetermined interval after they have blown` mechanicalescapement time delay devices, shown generally at 45, are providedunderneath the upper terminal assemblies 24 of these two fuse devices,as illustrated. These devices are arranged to control the movement ofthe latching levers 46, which are pivotally mounted on bolts 41extending through sleet hoodsv 48 which are provided to protect thecontact assemblies 24'from the elements. A screw 49 is provided in thehousing of the time delay mechanism which may be removed to permitaccess to adjusting means therein for controlling the length of the timeinterval in a manner which will be apparent hereinafter. A shield 5|! isarranged to cover the externally operating parts of the time delaymechanisms 45. delay mechanism 45 with the upper end of the fuse device2| is illustrated more clearly in Fig- 'I'he arrangement of the time lures 3 and 4 of the drawings, to which reference will now be had.

As illustrated, the upper end of the fuse device 2| is provided with aferrule 5| having outwardly extending ears 52, one of which is arrangedto engage the hook-shaped end 53 of the latching lever 46. As set forthin my copending application, hereinbefore referred to, the ferrule 5| isslidably mounted on the upper end of the fuse device 2|. The ferrule 5|is slidably mounted on a fixed ferrule 5| with which the other end 54 ofthe latching lever 46 is arranged to engage. A hook 55 is provided as anintegral part of the ferrule 5|V for engagement with a roller 56 carriedby arms 51, only one of which is shown, and which are biased upwardly bya leaf spring 58. When the fuse device blows, the ferrule 5| is movedupwardly to its position as illustrated by the broken lines and, in thisposition, the hook 55 no longer engages the roller 56. The fuse device2| is then free to rotate until the ear 52 engages the downwardlyextending hooked end 53 of the-latching lever 45. The time delay device45 is provided with a shaft 59, the outer end of which is square, asillustrated, and which has mounted thereon an operating arm 69. A link6| is connected between the operating arm 63 and the latching lever 46by pins 62 and 63, as shown. When the fuse device 2| is installed in theposition shown in the drawings the lower end 54 of the latching lever 45is engaged by the fixed ferrule 5|' and is moved to the left, as viewedin Figure 3 of the drawings. to move the operating arm 60 to theposition illustrated.

When the fuse device blows and starts to fall, the xed ferrule 5| movesout of engagement with the end 54 of the latching lever 43 and permitsrotation thereof in a counterclockwise direction. The time delaymechanism 45 retards the movement of the operating arm 60 andconsequently the movement of the latching lever 46 to the positionillustrated by the broken lines is delayed. When the operating arm 60has rotated in a clockwise direction to a position corresponding to thatof the latching lever 46, as illustrated by the broken lines, the hookshaped end 53 of the latching lever 46 is moved out of the path of theright hand ear 52 and the fuse device 2| is permitted to fall freely forclosing its transfer switch 34 and connecting the fuse device 22 intothe circuit.

The details of construction of the time delay mechanism 45 areillustrated more clearly in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, As thereshown, the shaft 59 is journaled between two frame plates 66 and 61 andit has mounted for rotation therewith a short drum 68 having radialopenings 69 therein for receiving one end of a coil spring 10, the otherend of which is secured by bolts 1| to the frame plate 65. A ratchetwheel 12 is also mounted for rotation with the shaft 59 and is arrangedto cooperate with a pawl 13 carried by a gear wheel 14. A spring wire 15carried by the gear wheel 14 is arranged to bias the pawl 13 intoengagement with the. ratchet wheel 12. It will be understood that theratchet wheel 12 and the pawl 13 permit relative movement between thedrum 68 and the gear wheel 14 when the shaft 59 is rotated in acounterclockwisedirection to wind up the spring 10 and permit the spring10 to drive the gear wheel 14 when the restraining force applied to theshaft 59 is released, as by the blowing of the fuse 2| and the releaseof the latching lever 46 for movement under control of the time delaymechanism 45.

The speed of rotation of the gear wheel14 as driven by the spring iscontrolled for the purpose of introducing the desired time delay actionof the mechanism. For this purpose the gear wheel 14 is arranged todrive a pinion 16 that maybe integrally formed with a shaft 11 which haspositioned for rotation therewitha gear wheel thereon a scape wheel 84.An anchor 85 is pro-` vided with pallets 86 and 81 for cooperating withthe teeth of the scape wheel 84. The anchor 85 is mounted foroscillation with a shaft 88 having a square section, as illustrated inFigure 5-A,

to which a plate 89 is secured for supporting Weights 90 and 9| that aresecured in position by screws 92 and 93. It will be observed that screws92 and 93 are mounted in slots in the plate 89 in order to adjustablyposition the weights 90 and 9|to secure the desired operation of theanchor 85 in bringing the pallets 86 and 81 into engagement with theteeth of the scape wheel 84. It will be understood that the shafts 11,19 and 83 are journaled in the frame plates 66 and 61 and that one endof the shaft 88 is journaled in the plate 66, as illustrated.

With a view to permitting adjustment of the time interval the distancebetween the shafts 83 and 88 is changed. This adjustment is provided bymeans of a cam 94 which is rotatably mounted in the frame plate 61 andwhich is arranged to carry one end of the shaft 88 in a positioneccentric from its axis. A shaft 95, mounted for rotation with the cam94, is provided with a slotted end in which a screw driver may beinserted for effecting the desired adjustment when the screw 49 that ismounted in the cover of the time delay mechanism 45 is removed, as willbe readily understood. Suitable stops are provided for limiting themovement of the shaft 95 so that the movement of the shaft 88 relativeto the shaft 83 will take place only within a range i which will permitoperation of the scape wheel 84. It will now be apparent that the spring10 is wound by movement of the lower end 54 of the 'latching lever 46when the fuse device 2|, for

example, is restored to its normal operating position. This movement istranslated by the link 6I to the arm 60 to cause rotation of the shaft59. When the hook 55 moves `out of engagementwith the roller 56 onblowing of the fuse 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings to which referencenow may be had. Since the latching arrangement for holding the fusedevice 2|, for example, in the operative position before it is blown maybe as illustrated and described hereinbefore, only the outline of theslidable ferrule 5|'v and the fixed ferrule 5| is shown. When the fusedevice 2| is released at its 'upper end it rotates slightly in aclockwise direction until it engages a bail |00 which is pivotallymounted on pins |0| which are located in opposite sides of the lsleethousing 48. Springs |02, which are connected between suitable dependinglugs from the sleet housing-48 and the opposite arms of the bail |00 areprovided for` biasing its lower end |03 into engagement with the fixedferrule 5 I', as illustrated. As long as the fuse device 2| remains inits operative positionand is' not blown, the springs |02 are stressedand tend to rotate the bail |00 in a counter-clockwise direction.However, this movement is restrained by the engagement of the lower end|03 of the bail |00 with the xed ferrule 5|.

With a view to providing for delaying the rotation of the bail I 00 whenthe fuse device 2| blows, links |04 are provided which are connectedbetween pins |05 extending inwardly from the opposite sides of the bail|00 and pins |06 secured to the opposite sides of the dividing wall |01of a hydraulic time delay mechanism, shown generally at |08. Thehydraulic device |08 is mounted in a C-shaped bracket |09 which may bemounted on a depending flange |I0 from the underside of the contactassembly 24 and secured thereto by any suitable means such as the screwsillustrated. End walls III and ||2 are secured to the opposite ends ofthe bracket |09 and they are connected to the dividing wall |01 byflexible bellows ||3 and |I4. Preferably sealed joints are providedbetween the flexible bellows and the dividing and end walls in order toprovide a hermetically sealed unit. As is illustrated more clearly inFigure 9 of the drawings, the dividing wall |01 is provided withoppositely extending guide arms ||5 and I I6 which are arrangedv to beguided in suitable cylindrical extensions II1 and I8 formed integrallywith the end walls I I and ||2. A spring ||9 may be provided around theguide arm ||6 for biasing the dividing wall |01 toward the left.However, if suicient inherent resiliency is provided in the flexiblebellows I I3 and I4 it may be unnecessary to employ the spring I I 9.The dividing wall |01 is provided with passageways |2| and |22 openinginto the chambers formed by the bellows I3 and ||4 and a connectingpassageway |23 serves to connect these two passageways. A needle valve|24 is arranged to controlthe eifective size of the connectingpassageway |23. The needle valve |24 is mounted in a suitable housing|25 which is sealed at its outer end by a exible diaphragm |26 to permitadjustment by an4 adjusting screw |21. A filler plug |28, Fig-8, isprovided in the dividing wally 01 to permit filling of both of thechambers formed by the exible bellows ||3 and ||4 with a suitable liquidsuch as a mixture of alcohol and glycerine.

It will be observed that the links |04 are provided with slottedopenings |29 for cooperating with the pins |06 of the dividing wall |01.A lost motion connection is provided by these slotted openings betweenthe dividing wall |01 and the bail |00 to permitmovement of the fusedevice 2| into its operative position and movement of the bail |00 to acorresponding position without encountering the time delay action of thehydraulic time delay mechanism |08. The spring I I9 moves the dividingwall |01 slowly to its original position at a speed which is governed bythe rate of flow of the fluid past the needle valve |24 from the bellows|I3 to the bellows |I4.

When the fuse device 2| blows, it is released at its upper end, as hasbeen described hereinbefore, and it rotates in a clockwise directionuntil it engages the outer end of the bail |00. Since the lower end 03of the bail |00 is released it is moved in a counterclockwise directionby means of the springs |02. Its movement in this direction is retardedby the hydraulic escapement device |08. The time delay results from themovement of the dividing wall |01 to the rightvthereby causing a ow ofthe liquid from the chamber formed by the ilexible bellows ||4 to thechamber formed by the flexible bellows ||3. It will be understood thatthe speed of movement is controlled by the adjustment of the needlevalve |24 which may be positioned to permit larger or smaller quantitiesof the liquid to flow from one chamber to the other in a given time.When the interval has elapsed for which the device is adjusted, the bailwill have been moved out of the path of the fuse device 2| and it willbe permitted to fall freely. The bail |00 remains in the position towhich it is operated by the springs |02 until the fuse device 2| isrestored to its normal operating position. When it is so restored thefixed ferrule 5| carries with it the lower end |03 of the bail |00 tomove it back to the position shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. Becauseof the provision of the slotted openings |29 in the links |04 noopposition to this movement is provided by the time delay mechanism |08,which would otherwise be the case if this lost motion were not provided.The dividing wall |01 returns slowly to its original position as fast asit is permitted to do so by the ow of liquid from the chamber formed bythe flexible bellows l I3 to the chamber formed by the flexible bellows||4 and influenced by the biasing force of the spring ||9 or, if it isomitted, by the inherent resilient eiects of the flexible bellows ||3and ||4 themselves.

Another embodiment of the hydraulic time delay mechanism which issuitable for delaying the falling of the fuse device after it has blownis villustrated in Figure 11 of the drawings. As there shown, a bail |34is rotatably mounted on a shaft |35 carried by a support |35 on a sleethousing |36. The bail |34 is provided with a pair of arms |31, only oneof which is shown, which may be secured thereto by any suitable meanssuch as rivets. One end -of the pair of arms |31 is biased to rotate thebail |34 in a counterclockwise direction by means of a tension spring|38, which may be secured to a loop |39 formed integrally with the sleethousing |36. The other end of each of the arms |31 is provided with aroller |40 for engaging the ferrule 5|,l as illustrated. As soon as thefuse` device blows, it begins to rotate in a clockwise direction,carrying with it the ferrule 5| and thereby releasing the rollers |40 topermit the spring |38 to rotate the bail |34 in a counterclockwisedirection. This rotation is delayed by the hydraulic escapement device,illustrated generally at |4|. By means of this device the bail |34 doesnot immediately rotate out of the path of the ferrule 5| andconsequently the rotation of the fuse device is delayed.

The escapement device I4| comprises a ilexible bellows |42 which is lledwith a suitable low freezing point liquid. Depending from the undersideof the bellows |42 is a bifurcated memible bellows 42 is moved upwardlyand the liquid contained therein is forced to iiow through a suitablesmall passageway into a housing |45 which is closed at its upper end bya exible diaphragm |46. An adjusting screw |41 is provided forpositioning a needle valve |48 in the small passageway in order tocontrol the speed with which the liquid ows therethrough to the housing|45, as will be readily understood. A compression spring |49 is'positioned inside of the bellows |42 for restoring it to the extendedposition when the bail |34 'is operated to the position shown in thedrawings by the replacement of the fuse device. The housing |45 ispreferably partially evacuated to permit the ready ilow of liquid intoit. It will be understood that it is unnecessary to seal the housing |45insofar as the operativeness of the device is concerned. However, inorder to protect it from the weather and to prevent evaporation of theliquid it is preferable to seal it, as illustrated.

It is desirable to provide a Wide range of calibrated adjustment for themechanical escapement device 45 that is illustrated in connection withthe repeating fuse mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.In the construction of the escapement mechanism 45 describedhereinbefore, adjustment is obtained by rotating the cam 94. A furtheradjustment may be obtained by shifting the positions of the Weights 90and 9|, and a still further adjustment may be obtained bychangingV theseweights to use heavier or lighter ones, as may be desired. It isnecessary to use various combinations of al] of these adjustments inorder to obtain a-range of operation from approximately one second tothirty seconds. It will be obvious that it is impractical to providesuch a wide range of adjustment in the eld and that it would benecessary to return the mechanism to the manufacturer in order toobtainthe desired adjustment.

In Figure 12 of the drawings, I have illustrated a construction wherebyadjustment over the entire range may be obtained in a simple manner andby means which do not require the services of a skilled mechanic. Asthere` shown, I have provided a second link |50 between the operatingarm 60 and the link 6 I, the former being mounted for rotation with theshaft 59 and the latter being connected to the latching lever 46 whichis engagedby thexed ferrule 5| of the fuse device 2|. The second link|50 is pivotally mounted on the operating arm 60 and the link 6| by pins62 and 62', and the upper edge |50 of the left hand end-is arranged toengage an sector |52.. It will be observed that the sector |52 ismounted for adjustment about' the shaft 59 and that it is provided withan arcuate slot |53 in which a thumb screw |54 is positioned andthreaded into the housing of the mechanism 45. By loosening the thumbscrew |54, the sector |52 can be rotated in either direction as limitedby the slot |53. A scale |55, which may be divided into unitscorresponding/co seconds, isV provided along a portion of the peripheryof the sector |52 and cooperates with an index |56, formed by a raisedarrow-shaped boss on the housing of the time delay device 45, toindicate the particular adjustment thereof.

As shown in Figure 12 the sector |52 is held in the zero time positionas indicated by the index |56 opposite the zero point oi the scale |55.With this adjustment on release of the latching rection and at the sametime the link |50 rotates in the same direction, the edge |50' at onceclearing the arcuate block thereby permitting the fuse device 2| toimmediatelyfall to the open position. In any other position of thesector |52, for example, the ten second position, the arcuate block |5Iwill be placed in the path of the edge |50 and the link |50 and thelatching lever 46 will be delayed in their movement by the shaft 59governed by the time delay mechanism previously described.

In operation, 'the time delay device 45 is adlink |50 remains inengagement with the inner' surface of the arcuate block |5|. When thefuse link in the fuse device 2| blows, it falls 4forwardly until its ear52 engages the outer end 53 of the latching lever 46. The Weight of thefuse device the linkage 6,|-|50-60, which extension is prevented as longas the edge |50 engages the arcuate block |5I. Thusthe edge |50 is heldagainst the arcuate block |5| while the link |50 is rotated in aclockwise direction. As soon as the arcuate block I5| is disengaged, thelinkage unfolds and the outer end 53 of the latching lever 46 is movedout of the path of the ear 52 by the weight of the fuse device 2 I. Itisthen free to fall, as previously described. The operating arm 60continues to rotate for the remainder of the time interval for which'thedevice 45 is originally set and until it engages a stop pin |51. Whenthe fuse device 2| is restored to its normal position, the nxed ferrule5| engages the lower` end 54 of the latching lever 46 and causesrotation of the operating arm 60 in a counterclockwise direction to windup the spring 10, as will be readilyunderstood.

Since certain further changes may be made in the foregoing constructionsand different embodiments of the invention may be made Without departingfrom the 4scope thereof, it is intended that alLmatter set forth in theforegoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention: 1.-In combination, a fuse mounted at one endfor completing an electric circuit and disposed to be released at itsother end on blowing thereof, switch means disposed to be operated bysaid fuse device as it rotates for completing a circuit between itsterminals, time delay means, and holdingmeans controlled by said timedelay means for engaging said other end to restrain the rotation of saidfuse device for a predetermined `interval,

2. In combination, a fuse device rotatably mounted at its lower end forcompleting an eleclever 46, the shaft 59 rotates in a clockwise di- 3.In combination, a fuse device rotatably mounted at one end forcompleting an electric circuit and disposed to be released at its otherend on blowing thereof, switch means disposed' of said fuse device apredetermined interval after engagement therewith.

4. In combination, a fuse device rotatably mounted at its lower end forcompleting an elec- 2| against the latching lever 46 tends to extenddevice rotatably y tric circuit, means for releasing said -fuse deviceat its upper end on blowing thereof for rotation under the inuence ofgravity, switch means disposed lto be operated by said fuse device as itrotates for completing a circuit between its terminals, time delaymeans, and holding means controlledby said time delay means for engagingsaid .upper end to prevent rotation of said fuse device for apredetermined' interval after engagement therewith.

tric circuit, means for releasing said fuse device at its upper end onblowing thereof for rotation under the iniiuence of gravity, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said fuse device as it rotates forcompleting a circuit between its terminals, time delay means, holdingmeans disposed in the path of and spaced from said upper .endforpermitting a limited vrotation of said fuse .device after it blows, andoperating means interconnecting said time Adelay means and said holdingmeans for effecting v.movement of the latter out of the path ofsaid'upper end a predetermined interval after engagement therewith.

5. In combination, a pair df fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing said fuse devices at the' other ends on blowing thereof,switch means disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as Iitrotates for completing said circuit through the other of said fusedevices, time delay means, and holding means controlled by said timedelay means for engaging the other end of said one fuse device torestrain rotation thereof for a predetermined interval after engagementtherewith.

6. In combination, a pair offuse devices eachrotatably mounted at itslower 1end and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit,means for releasing said fuse devices at their 'upper endson blowingthereof for rotation under the influence of gravity, switch meansdisposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, timedelay means, and holding means controlled by said time delay means forengaging the upper end ofvsaidone fuse device to prevent rotationthereof fora.

prlletermined interval after engagementtherew1 .l

7. In combination, a fuse device rotatably mounted 'at one end forcompleting' an electric circuit and disposed to be -released at itsother end on blowing thereof, switch means disposed to be operatedbysaid fuse device as it rotates for completing a circuit between'itsterminals, a

mechanical escapement time delay device, and

rotates for completing a circuit between its terminals, a mechanicalescapement time delay device, and holding means controlled by said timedelay device for engaging said upper end to prevent rotation of saidfuse device for a predetermined interval after engagement therewith.

9. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit; means forreleasing said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the 'other of said fuse devices, amechanical escapement time delay device, restraining means disposed inthe path of and spaced from the other end of said one fuse device topermit limtedrotation thereof after it blows, and means operativelyinterconnecting said time delay device and said restraining means forshifting the latter out of the path of said one fuse device apredetermined interval after engagement therewith.

10. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at itslower end and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit,means for releasing said fuse devices at their upper ends on blowingthereof for rotation under the influence of gravity, switch meansdisposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, amechanical escapement time delay device, holding meansrdisposed in thepath of and spaced from the upper end of said one fuse device forpermitting limited rotation thereof after it is released, and operatingmeans interconnecting said time delay device and said holding means foreffecting movement of the latter out the path of said one fuse device apredetermined interval after engagement therewith.

11. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, a springoperated mechanical escapement time delay device, restraining meansdisposed in the path of the other end of said one fuse device as itmoves away from the circuit completing position and spaced therefrom topermit limited rotation after it blows, means operativelyinterconnecting said time delay device and said restraining means forshifting the latter out of the path of said one fuse device apredetermined interval after it is released, and means cooperating withsaid one fuse device as it is moved toward said circuit completingposition for charging the spring'of said time delay device.

12. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at itslower end and one normally disposed to 'complete an electric circuit,means for releasing said fuse devices at their upper ends on blowingthereof for rotation under the inuence of gravity, switch means disposedto be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates for completing saidcircuit through the other of said fuse devices, a spring operatedmechanical escapement time delay device, holding means disposed in thepath of theupper end of said one fuse device as it moves away from thecircuit completing position and spaced therefrom to permit limitedrotation after it is released, operating means interconnecting said timedelay device and said holding means for eiecting movement of the latterout of the path of said one fuse device a. predetermined interval afterit is released, and means cooperating with said one fuse device as it ismoved toward said circuit completing position for charging the spring ofsaid time delay device.

13. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, a springoperated mechanical escapement time delay device; a control leverpivotally mounted adjacent the other end of said one fuse device, oneend of said control lever being positioned in the path of said one fusedevice as it moves from the circuit completing position and spacedtherefrom to permit limited rotation after it blows, and the other endof said control lever being positioned in the path of said one fusedevice as it moves toward said circuit completing position; and a linkinterconnecting said time delay device and said control lever forshifting the one end thereof out of the path of said one fuse device apredetermined time after it is released and for translating the movementof said control lever to charge the spring of said time delay devicewhen said one fuse device is moved toward saidcircuit completingposition.

14. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at itslower end and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit,means for relasing said fuse devices at their upper ends on blowingthereof for rotation under the influence of gravity, switch meansdisposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, a springoperated mechanical escapement time delay device; a control leverpivotally mounted adjacent the upper end of said one fuse device, oneend of said control lever being positioned in the path of the upper endof said one fuse device as it moves from the circuit completing positionand spaced therefrom to permit limited rotation after it is released,and the other end of said control lever being positioned in the path ofsaid upper end as said one fuse device is moved toward said circuitcompleting position; and a link interconnecting said time delay deviceand said control lever for shifting the one end thereof out of the pathof said one fuse device a predetermined interval after it is releasedand for translating the movement of said control lever to reset thespring of said time delay device when said one fuse is moved toward saidcircuit completing position.

15. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, ahydraulic escapement time delay device, and holding means controlled bysaid time delay device for engaging the other end of said one fusedevice to restrain rotation thereof for a predetermined interval afterengagement therewith.

16. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at itslower end and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit,means for releasing said fuse devices at their upper ends on blowingthereof for rotation under the influence of gravity, switch means4disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, ahydraulic. escapement time delay device, and holding means controlled bysaid time delay device for engaging the upper end of said one fusedeviceto prevent rotation thereof for a predetermined intervalafterengagement therewith.

17. In combination, a pair offuse devices each rotatably. mounted at oneend and one normally d'sposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates orcompleting said circuit through the other of said fuse devices, ahydraulic escapement time delay device; a control lever pivotallymounted adjacent the other end of said one fuse device, one end of saidcontrol lever being positioned inthe path of said one fuse device as itmoves from the circuit completing position and spaced therefrom I topermit limited rotation after. it blows, and the other end of saidcontrol lever being positioned resilient means for biasing said otherend of said lever into engagement with the upper end of said one fusedevice, and connecting means between said time delay device and saidcontrol lever for translating the delay action of the former to thelatter, whereby the rotation of said one fuse device is prevented for apredetermined interval.

20. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at itslower end and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit,

l means for releasing said fuse devices at their Y A mounted adjacentthe upper end of said one fuse in the path of said one fuse device as itmoves j toward said circuit completing position; resilient means forbiasing said other end of said lever into engagement with said one fusedevice, and connecting means between said time delay device and saidcontrol lever for translating the delay action of said time delay devicethereto, whereby the rotation of said one fuse device is prevented for apredetermined interval.

18. In combination, a pair of fuse devices each rotatably mounted at oneend and one normally disposed to complete an electric circuit, means forreleasing'said fuse devices at the other ends on blowing thereof, switchmeans disposed to be operated by said one fuse device as it rotates forcompleting said circuit through the other of said fusedevices, ahydraulic escapement time delay device; a control lever pivotallymounted adjacent the other end of said one fuse device, one end of saidcontrol lever being positioned in the path of said one fuse device asitv moves from the circuit completing position and spaced therefrom topermit limited rotation afterit blows, and the other end of said controllever being positioned in the path of said one fuse device as it movestoward said circuit completing position; resilient4 means for Abiasingsaid other end of said lever into engagement with said one fuse device,and lost motionlink means interconnecting said time delay device andsaid control lever for translating the delay action of said time delaydevice thereto and permitting relative movement of saidn device, one endof said control lever being positioned in the path of the upper end ofsaid one fuse device as it moves from the circuit completing positionand spaced therefrom to permit limited rotation after it is released,and the other end of said control lever being positioned in the ,path ofsaid upper endas said one fuse device is moved toward said circuitcompleting position; resilient means for biasing said other end of saidlever into engagement with the upper end of said one fuse device, andlost motion link means interconnecting said time delay device and saidcontrol lever and arranged and adapted to translate the delay action ofsaid time delay device thereto and to permit relative movementtherebetween when said one fuse device is moved toward the circuitcompleting position.

21. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a rotatably mountedfuse device, and a rotatable member mounted in operative relation tosaid fuse device, said rotatable member engaging said fuse device whenit is in the closed circuit position and arranged and adapted to retardrotation thereof as it rotates from said closed circuit position.

22. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a rotatably mountedfuse device, a rotatable member mounted in operative relation to saidfuse device, and spring means disposed to bias said rotatable memberinto engagement with said fuse device when it is in the closed circuitposition, said rotatable member also being disposed in the path of saidfusedevice as it rotates ment time delay device; a control leverpivotally d mounted ladjacent the upper end of said one fuse.

device, one end of said control lever being positioned in the path ofthe upper end o f said one fuse Vdevice as it moves from the circuitcompleting position and spaced therefrom to permit limited rotationafter it is released, and the other moved toward said circuit completingposition;

from said closed circuit position.

23. In `fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a rotatably mountedfuse device, a rotatable member mounted in operative relation to saidfuse device, spring-means disposed to bias said rotatable member intoengagement with said fuse device when it is in the closed circuitposition,

' said lever engaging said fuse device in its circuit `closing'positionand the other end disposed in the vpath of lsaid fuse device as itrotates therefrom for retarding said rotation, and-spring means forbiasing said control leverl out .of the path of said fuse device, saidother rend of said control lever remaining out of the path of said fusedevice until it is restored to said circuit closing position.

25. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a fuse device rotatablymounted at one end and disposed to be released for rotation from itscircuit closing position on blowing of its fusible element, a controllever rotatably mounted adjacent the other end of said fuse device, oneend of said lever engaging said fuse device in its circuit closingposition and the other end disposed in the path of said fuse device asit rotates therefrom for retarding said rotation, spring means forbiasing said control lever out of the path of said fuse device, saidother end of said control lever remaining out of the path of said fusedevice until it is restored to said circuit closing position, and timedelay means operatively connected to said control lever for delayingmovement thereof out of said path for a predetermined interval aftersaid fusible element blows.

26. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a mechanical escapementtiming device arranged and adapted to delay the completion of a circuitthrough the next fuse device when the preceding fuse device blows, andmeans for reloading said escapement device on replacement of saidpreceding fuse device in its circuit closing position.

27. In combination, a movably mounted fuse mechanism adapted to completean electric circuit and disposedtobe released for movement to analternate position on blowing thereof, switch means operable in responseto movement of said fusedevice to said alternate position for completingsaid circuit through a second fuse device, a time delay device, holdingmeans disposed to be controlled by said time delay device for preventingmovement of said first mentioned fuse device to said alternate positionfor a predetermined interval after it blows, and adjustable connectingmeans between said time delay device and said holding means whereby awide range of timing is obtained with a single adjustment of said timedelay device.

28. In combination, a rotatably mounted fuse device for completing anelectric circuit and disposed to be released for rotation on blowingthereof, switch means operable in response to the rotation of said fusedevice for completing said circuit through a second fuse device, amechanical escapement time delay device, holding means disposed to becontrolled by said time delay device for preventing rotation of said rstnamed fuse device for a predetermined interval after it blows, land anadjustable linkage interconnecting said time delay device -and saidholding means whereby a wide range of timing is provided with a singleadjustment of said time delay device.

29. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a rotatably mounted'fuse device, a rotatable member mounted in operative relation to saidfuse device, spring means biasing said rotatable member into engagementwith said fuse device when it is in the circuit closed position, saidrotatable member also being disposed in the path of said fuse device asit rotates from said closed circuit position, a time delay device, andadjustable `connecting means between said rotatable member and said timedelay device whereby said rotatable member is retarded. inits movementout of the path of said fuse device over a wide range of time adjustmentwith a single adjustment of said time delay device.

30. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a dropout fusemechanism, a movable member mounted in operative relation to said fusemechanism, a timing device having a member rotatable through apredetermined distance lat a predetermined speed, a linkageinterconnecting said movable member and said rotatable member foroperating the former to a position to release said dropout fusemechanism a predetermined interval after` blowing of a fusible elementtherein, and cam means cooperating with said linkage for determining theportion of the movement of said rotatable member controlling the lengthof said interval.

' 31. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, a rotatably mountedfuse device, a rotatable member mounted in operative relation to saidfuse device, a timing device having an arm rotatable through apredetermined arc at a predetermined speed, a linkage interconnectingsaid rotatable member and saidarm for operating the former to a positionto release said fuse device a predetermined interval after blowing of afusible element therein, cam. means cooperating with said linkage fordetermining the portion of the arc of movement of said arm effective todelay the release of said fuse device, and means for adjusting theposition of said cam means relative to said linkage whereby differentintervals are obtainable.

32. A repeating fuse cut-out comprising, in combination; a pair ofrotatably mounted fuse devices disposed to be released for rotation onblowing thereof, one of said fuse devices being normally connected in lacircuit, a rotatably mounted switch device disposed to cooperate withsaid one fuse device on rotation thereof when it blows for transferringsaid circuit to the other of said fuse devices, a hydraulic escapementdevice for delaying the transfer of said circuit comprising a pair offlexible bellows members having end walls and a movable dividing walltherebetween having a restricted opening, a liquid lling said bellowsmembers, means for operatively connecting one of said rotatably mounteddevices during its rotation to said movable dividing Wall whereby saidliquid is forced through said restricted opening from one bellows memberinto the other bellows member, a compression spring disposed tocooperate with said one bellows member for biasing it against themovement thereof caused by said connecting means to restore it to itsnormal position when the force causing' said movement is relieved, andexternally operable adjusting means for changing the action of saidescapement device in delaying the transfer of said circuit.

33. The combination, with a pair of rotatably mounted fuse devices and atransfer switch for shifting a circuit from one fuse device to the otherin response to the rotation of said one fuse device after blowingthereof; of a hydraulic escapement time delay device disposed to preventrotation of one of said fuse devices and thereby closure of saidtransfer switch for a predetermined interval after blowing of said onefuse device comprising a flexible bellows filled with liquid disposed toescape therefrom throughs. restricted aperture, and a spring inside saidbellows for extending the same; spring means, rotatably mounted levermeans biased by said spring means into engagement with said one fusedevice and restrained thereby until it is blown,

'and means operatively interconnecting said flexible bellows and saidlever means in such manner that rotation of said lever means after beingreleased by said one fuse device is delayed while said liquid is beingforced through said aperture by contraction of said bellows by saidspring means, said lever means being unrestrained by said bellows whenthe former is rotated to its normal position on rotation of said onefuse device to its normal operative position, :aid bellows thereuponbeing extended by said spring therein.

34. lIn fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, rst and second fuseassemblies both normally located in operative position, said rst fuseassembly being normally connected to a circuit and said second fuseassembly being normally disconnected from said circuit at one end andarranged and adapted to be automatically connected to said circuit atsaid one end after operation of said first fuse assembly, a memberreleased for movement on operation of said first fuse assembly foreffecting the connection of said second fuse assembly to said circuit`after said member has moved through a predetermined extent, and a time.delay mechanism operatively connected to said member for retarding itsmovement through said predetermined extent and including a gear trainand means operated thereby for retarding rotation of the gears formingsaid gear train. i

35. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, first and second fuseassemblies both normally located in operative position, said iirst fuseassembly being normally connected to a circuit and said second fuseassembly being normally disconnected from said circuit atone'end andarranged and adapted to be automatically connected to said circuit atsaid one end after operation of said first fuse assembly, a memberreleased for movement on operation of. said rst fuse assembly foreecting the connection of said. second fuse assembly to said circuitafter saidmember has moved through a predetermined extent; 'and a timedelay mechanism operatively saidiirst fuse assembly to operativecondition i and connection in said circuit.

36. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, iirst and second fuseassemblies, said rst fuse assembly being normally connected to a nectedfrom said circuit at one end and including a transfer contact memberadapted to be engaged by said movable contact member in its alternateposition for connecting said second fuse assembly to said circuit atsaid one end, and time delay mechanism associated with said rst fuseassembly for delaying the engagement of said contact members for apredetermined time after said iirst fuse assembly operates, said timedelay mechanism including a gear trainzand means operated thereby forretarding rotation of the gears forming said gear train.

37. In fuse restoring apparatus, in combination, rst and second fuseassemblies disposed in upright side-by-side relation, said rst fuseassembly being normally connected to a circuit and including a movablecontact member at its lower end adapted to be rotated downwardly to analternate position on operation of said first fuse assembly, said secondfuse assembly being normally disconnected from said circuit at its lowerend and including a transfer contact member thereat adapted to beengaged by said movable contact member in its alternate position forconnecting said second fuse assembly to said circuit at its lower end,and time delay mechanism associated with said rst fuse assembly for.delaying the movement of said movable contact .member and thereby theengagement of said contact members for a predetermined time after saidfirst fuse assembly operates, said time delay mechanismJ including agear train and means operated thereby for retardlng rotation of thegears forming said gear train.

38. A repeating fuse cut-out comprising, in

combination; a pair of rotatably mounted fuse devices disposed to bereleased for` rotation on blowing'thereof, one of said fuse devicesbeing normally connected inf a circuit, a rotatably mounted switchdevice disposed to cooperate with said one fuse device on rotationthereof when it blows for transferring said circuit to the other of saidfuse devices, a hydraulic escapement device for delaying thetransfer ofsaid circuit comprising a pair of iiexible bellows lmembers having endwalls and a movable dividing wall therebetween having a restrictedopening, a liquid lling said bellows members, means for operativelyconnecting one o f said rotatably mounted devices during its rotation tosaid movable dividing wall whereby said liquid is forced through saidrestricted vopening from one bellows member into the other bellowsmember, and a compression spring disposed to cooperate with saidone-bellows member for biasing it against the' movement thereof causedby said 'connecting means to restore it to its normal position when theforce causing said -movement is relieved.

ALLAN RAMSEY.

